‘Give your head a shake’: Rio Ferdinand cannot believe what pundit’s said about Leeds player

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Rio Ferdinand has reacted with shock after he was told that Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips should be dropped for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse on Live with Five.

Ferdinand was joined by Stephen Howson on the Youtube show, where they discussed the England squad – after Phillips was confirmed as a choice in Gareth Southgate’s squad.

The Leeds man made it into the final 26-man team, with Ward-Prowse cut out of the squad.

Howson seemed to suggest that Ward-Prowse should never have been dropped though, and even suggested he should start over Leeds’ Phillips, much to Ferdinand’s shock.

“A dead ball specialist as a sub ain’t the one,” the former Leeds defender said.

“If you’re dead ball specialist and you’re playing then I get it, but you can’t be a dead ball specialist and you’re on the bench 99% of the time.”

“He should have started for me though,” Howson retorted.

“Get out your car and give your head a shake! Ahead of who? Who is he starting ahead of.

“Have you not seen my man Bellingham? You would have Ward-Prowse ahead of Phillips?”

“Yeah, maybe even ahead of Phillips.”

“Nah, I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” the disillusioned Ferdinand said, while shaking his head. 

So who should be featuring?

Ward-Prowse may feel that he has missed out harshly, but claims that he should be starting over Phillips do feel outlandish.

The Leeds midfielder has been nothing short of exceptional for Marcelo Bielsa’s side throughout the campaign.

Leeds finished considerably higher than Southampton in the Premier League this term, and Bielsa’s side’s late season form likely helped to cement Phillips’ place.

It now remains to be seen whether Phillips will start in England’s opener at Euro 2020.

Phillips’ chances of playing may depend on Jordan Henderson’s fitness.

If the Liverpool midfielder is judged to be fit enough to start, he may well be favoured by Gareth Southgate, but if he is struggling then Phillips looks a shoo-in to feature against Croatia in two weekends’ time.